17 Oct 2022 | 4 mins
Overview
  • Whether you’re the sharpest tool in the shed or still finding ways to nail it, there are a whole load of job opportunities waiting for you in construction!
  • Make sure you check out Construction Skills Queensland for more info and resources about the construction sector.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned after leaving high school is that there’s no one way to get into your dream job. Wherever you’re starting from, there’s always a pathway, and that’s especially true in the construction industry. To help you get started, we’ve teamed up with our mates at Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) to give you a quick run-down of the different ways you can embark on an exciting and rewarding career in construction:

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Want to earn while you’re still in school? Unlike a lot of other professions, you can get a head start in your construction career while you’re still at school by completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT). Getting started this way is super popular – in fact, according to CSQ’s Apprentice Chartpack, one in ten apprenticeships are school-based and it can often lead to full-time employment straight after school!

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Want to jumpstart your learning? A Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway could be the solution. VET enables you to learn the practical skills and knowledge needed for a range of construction careers.

These qualifications are delivered by a range of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and if you’re in Queensland, many of these will be subsidised (made heaps cheaper) through CSQ funding! To find out if your course is eligible, take a look at CSQ’s Course Selector here.

Apprenticeships

There has been a huge spike in apprenticeship enrolments in Queensland (Source: CSQ), and for good reason! Apprentices are trained in a skilled trade (e.g., electrical, plumbing or tiling) and upon successful completion, become a qualified tradesperson. Apprenticeships usually take about four years to complete.

Cadetships

Cadetships are like apprenticeships for non-trade construction roles. Generally, a cadetship involves being employed by an organisation while you are studying to complete a degree and they are a great way to put your academic learnings into industry practice while you earn! Want to hear more from someone who is currently completing their cadetship? Read about Hannah’s awesome experience at McNab here.

University

Some construction careers require university qualifications (like environmental engineering). The most common way to be accepted into a bachelor’s degree is through your ATAR - but that’s definitely not the only way. Some people choose to do different uni degrees with lower ATAR requirements, and then use their uni marks to transfer across.

Or, you can return to uni later after you’ve finished other qualifications or had some work experience. For example, if you wanted to be a civil engineer you could get a Certificate IV in civil construction operations, then apply for a bachelor of engineering from there. In some cases, the university will recognise your Certificate IV as prior learning, allowing you to complete your uni degree in less time.

Extra Support

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, there are services that can help you find a job and start a career, such as the Queensland Government’s Youth Employment Program (YEP). If you’re looking for extra financial support, the Australian Government also has a good breakdown of some of the subsidies you might be eligible for on the StudyAssist website. There are so many pathways into the construction industry because they’re looking for talented, hardworking go-getters just like you to get involved! If you’re looking for more info and support, make sure you check out Construction Skills Queensland!